Flower Friday: Narrowleaf sunflower

Narrowleaf sunflower (also known as swamp sunflower) is one of Florida’s most common sunflowers. It occurs naturally in marshes, wet flatwoods, and roadside ditches throughout North and Central Florida. It is a short-lived perennial, and blooms primarily in October and November, although some flowering can occur in September and December. In nature, it tends to form dense colonies, resulting in spectacular swaths of sunshine yellow. Narrowleaf sunflower blooms attract bees and butterflies, while its seeds provide a tasty treat for birds.

Garden tips: Narrowleaf sunflower is readily available commercially and is easy to maintain in home landscapes. It is most suitable as a buffer along wetlands or in other open wet sites. Because of its height, as well as its propensity to form large clusters, it is not recommended for small gardens or formal landscapes.

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